Stunned Iron Dog leaders disqualified on verge of winning second straight
Author: Dermot Cole
FAIRBANKS — Defending Iron Dog champions Tyler Aklestad and Tyson Johnson were disqualified early Saturday because on a fuel stop between Ruby and Tanana, a volunteer mistakenly pushed down on each sled to help add a half-gallon of fuel.
But Aklestad and Johnson, dubbed “TNT,” are continuing along the course, headed toward the finish line in Fairbanks, traveling alongside the new leaders — Cory Davis and Ryan Simons.
Race officials said that Rule 13.2 prohibits anyone except the racers from even touching the machines when refueling in this section. But after seeing a photo that shows a volunteer pushing on each sled, the race officials said the rules required disqualification.
The run between Ruby and Tanana is the longest distance between checkpoints and the rules allow teams to stage fuel and oil along that section, but they are not allowed to be assisted in any way.
“The crew providing fuel between Ruby and Tanana made physical contact with the racer’s snowmobiles. Rule 13.2.1 is one of the only penalties that is explicitly specified within the rules. The Marshals have determined that Team 8 violated Rule 13.2.1 and 13.2.2. The penalty for those violations is disqualification as specified in Rule 13.2.3,” an Iron Dog press release said.
The rule says that no “physical contact with the pit crew will be permitted” and that “participants will be disqualified if any part of this fueling procedure is neglected.”
Johnson told KTUU-TV that they didn’t know the spectators had touched their sleds and asked them to stop as soon as they saw what was happening.
“We only needed about 5 gallons, pushing on the back helps get an extra half-gallon but we didn’t even need that fuel,” KTUU quoted Johnson as saying.
He said the disqualification “makes us look like cheaters” and that teams get 15-minute penalties for worse infractions
Race officials said the exact wording of the rule about “physical contact” left them with no choice but disqualification.
A Facebook posting on the team’s page at mid-morning Saturday said, “Tyson and Tyler are on the move. Currently riding alongside team 41. I encourage everyone to come forward in Fairbanks and cheer on TNT at they cross the finish line in 1st place.”
#1 Team 41 - Cory Davis & Ryan Simons
#2 Team 17 - Chad Gueco & Dusty VanMeter
Disqualified Team 8 - Tyler Aklestad & Tyson Johnson - wanted to finish the race - came in between the #2 & #3 official finishers & they were swarmed by reporters, of course. After this incident, which has greatly upset a lot of fans, it will be interesting to see if there are any rules changes for next year. Team 8 cleared the Finish Line area before the 3rd place team came in, which was good because it allowed the next team to properly celebrate their finish with family, friends & they got some press attention.
#3 Team 2 Micah Huss & Ryan Sottosanti
Order of finish for all the racers:
Pro Class 2017 Team Stats Page
See you next year, Iron Dog fans!